As 2015 comes to a close, NOBCChE would like to wish its members, partners and other industry professionals a safe and happy holiday season. As we reflect on the past year for the industry, we would like to provide the readers of the NOBCChE eBrief a look at the most accessed articles from the year. Our regular publication will resume Thursday, Jan. 7.

By Debra Josephson AbramsFrom Sept. 24:
"Debra is a JAP." As I walk into my classroom, I see the words written neatly in bright orange on the whiteboard, and my colleague (someone I had counted as a friend) who has written them stands by the board, giggling, egging on my students to ask me what it means. Dumbfounded, speechless, shaken, I ask him to erase the offensive statement. But erasing it from the board hasn't erased the ache in my heart and pain in my gut, both of which permanently reside, gnawing at me daily.READ MORE

By Betty BoydFrom Jan. 16:
We all make New Year resolutions in our personal life, but what about our professional life? Do leaders need to make resolutions? Being a leader should not necessarily entail resolutions, but rather establishing goals. Goal setting is providing a vision for an organization to follow. It is decisiveness — take action, and it will go a long way. So how does a leader come up with these goals?READ MORE

By Brian StackFrom Aug. 13:
In an elementary classroom in southern California, teacher and educational consultant Sarah Weaver was working with a group of students to use marshmallows and spaghetti to build the tallest, freestanding structure possible. This activity was a great way to promote communication, teamwork and creativity, while allowing students to get to know each other and develop an understanding of appropriate group work behavior. The activity is also a great example of STEAM programming.READ MORE

By Catherine IsteFrom April 16:
You made it past the thousands of others jockeying to get an interview for your dream job, and the big day is approaching. Odds are what got you in the door is not enough to get you the offer. Fortunately, preparing is easy if you remember that interviewers really just want to hear three things: you are impressed by the organization, you would be honored to join their organization, and you are taking this opportunity seriously. To do that, just take these simple steps to ensure you rise to the top of the list.READ MORE

By Betty BoydFrom Feb. 5: A leader doesn't just wake up one day and become one. Leaders must work on and practice their leadership skills. Quite simply, that means leading others. However, over time, leaders can become complacent in how they lead. These types of leaders end up in their own comfort zone, and this is really a danger zone. How do leaders end up in the comfort zone, and how can they be turned around?READ MORE

By Hank BoyerFrom March 12: One of the most unexpected things about a career or job choice is that sooner or later you realize that you are experiencing some level of career frustration. What is the likelihood of feeling satisfied with your current career/job all of the time? If you said "not good," you would be right. There will always be parts of the job that you prefer less. There are usually challenging people with whom you must work. There will be things you don't think are fair. The problem is that there are no guarantees you'll find things any better at a different employer.READ MORE

By Kelly SharpFrom Oct. 22: The components of the average resume include your contact information, past work experience and education with each section strategically written to highlight why you're perfect for the desired position. Nevertheless, the first thing companies look at on a resume is the applicant's name. Who you are begins and ends with your name. It establishes your identity and, in the job market, is your identifier from the rest. Which begs the question, does the name on your resume matter?READ MORE

By Hank BoyerFrom June 4:
What do you think about when you hear the term "diversity in the workplace"? Differences in ethnicity? Culture? Gender? Language? In 2015, it is hardly a new concept to be working side by side with a person of a different race or accent or upbringing. We don't stop the assembly line when some who is different from us walks onto the plant floor. The globalization of the economy means people with vast differences are cast into a workplace brimming with diversity.READ MORE

The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships provide scientists and engineers with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills while learning first-hand about policy. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in all three branches of the federal government in Washington, D.C.Read more

By Michael S. Haro, Ph.D.From July 9:
Challenges are nothing more than conditions over which we have little to no control. When they occur, it's not the condition that stops us. It's how we decide to manage it, or let it manage us. Actively asking ourselves, "What can be done?" directs behavior, allowing us to manage as best we can. When we do what we can do, managing becomes a personal adjustment. Following through with "what we can do" makes us successful and meaningful.READ MORE

By Linchi KwokFrom May 28:
May is the month of graduations. Many new graduates are excited about their future, but at the same time somewhat nervous about new jobs and a new life. Occasionally, I will meet with some graduating seniors who need career advice. My suggestion is: Forget about the stereotypes others put on you and trust your gut. You know what you are good at and what you like. Find an employer that is the best match — if not the perfect match — for yourself. Act as if the employer is the perfect match for you in your personal life.READ MORE